J-1 Exchange Visitor Orientation Presented by International Scholar & Faculty Services, Oregon State University

Introductions Please introduce yourself: Name Country Department Research Area or Focus Length of Program

Presentation Contents Overview of Exchange Visitor J Program Important Terms and Websites Immigration Documents Responsibilities of Exchange Visitors Bars to Future Program Participation Employment Authorization Social Security Number, Dependents, etc. The ISFS Office Questions

Overview of Exchange Visitor Program and J-1 Visa The Exchange Visitor Program provides international candidates the opportunity to travel and gain experience in the United States. Teaching Studying Conducting research Demonstrating special skills Receiving on the job training

OSU J-Programs & Maximum Length of Programs Professor 5 years Research Scholar Short Term Scholar 6 months Student Intern 12 months Specialist J-2 Dependents (spouse or child)

Important Terms & Acronyms SEVIS: Student & Exchange Visitor Information System USCIS: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services DHS: Department of Homeland Security DOS: Department of State

Overview of Immigration Documents Passport J-1 Visa Stamp DS-2019 I-94 Arrival/Departure Form

Passport Passport should be renewed 6 months prior to expiration Passport related questions (lost passport, incorrect passport information, passport renewal, etc.) should be asked to your home country’s embassy or consulate

J Visa Stamp A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to the U.S. port-of entry, and request permission of the U.S. immigration inspector to enter the U.S. Visa Category Review the following points on your visa stamp: Entries, Expiration date, 212(e) Expiration date may be different than program end date. The visa stamp is the “key” to get into US. It is okay if it expires while you are in US as long as you have a valid DS-2019 document. You will need to apply for a new visa if you travel outside of the US, but no need to exit the US just to get a new visa. Entries Allowed M=Multiple S=Single Entry Visa Expiration Date 2 Year Home Residency Requirement 212(e)

DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (J-1 or J-2) SEVIS ID Number Program Dates (Duration of Status) Program Sponsor Lower left hand corner, subject to 212(e). Talk about this next. Travel sig allows you to travel, valid for one year. Employment must be tied to subject field. 2- Year Home Residence Requirement Travel Signature

DS-2019 (cont.) Information Included on the DS-2019: Bio-Information Program Sponsor & Information Dates of Program Exchange Visitor Category & Focus Area Funding to Cover Program Costs Not Relevant Responsible Officer Transfer Information (if any) Preliminary Endorsement of 212(e) Travel Validation Signature by Responsible Officer Signature of Exchange Visitor (sign here)

I-94 Form Arrival/ Departure Record Referred to as “Admission Number” https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html The following information is required to retrieve your Admission (I-94) number. Enter the information as it appears on the travel documents you used to enter the United States. Name Birth Date Passport Number Country Most Recent Date of Entry Class of Admission You will need to print your I-94 form in order to show it at the Social Security Office, Department of Motor Vehicles, apply for certain immigration benefits, etc. The I-94 form can be printed after arriving in the United States by accessing your information through the internet. If you have not done so, please print this form- you may need it at the Department of Motor Vehicles, Social Security Office, or for applications through immigration.

Current Scholars: Responsibilities of Exchange Visitors Exchange Visitors must follow these rules in order to maintain immigration status and stay legally in the United States It is your personal responsibility to know and follow the rules of your visa category Failure to maintain status may result in termination of visa and SEVIS record, fees to correct status, or removal from the United States. Staying in illegal status may result in a 3 to 10 year ban from returning to the U.S. Current Scholars: Responsibilities of Exchange Visitors (J visa holders) and Dependents. It is your personal responsibility to know and follow the rules of your visa type.

Responsibilities of J-1 Exchange Visitors 1. Report address changes Must be reported within 10 days of change Send email to the International Scholar Advisor 2. Report changes in program Changes in program such as research focus, sponsor, program length, category, finances, etc. Must be reported immediately to the International Scholar Advisor prior to any change Scholars can follow along with the “Responsibilities” document. Failure to follow these responsibilities may result in immigration termination.

Responsibilities of J-1 Exchange Visitors 3. Maintain Health Insurance Health Insurance is mandatory for all J-1 and J-2 visitors during entire J-program Must meet Department of State requirements No insurance = termination of program Have you purchased your health insurance yet? Have you purchased your health insurance for the entire duration of your program yet? For those that have not purchased health insurance, review the requirements on the ISFS insurance handout. You must secure coverage within 7 days and send an email to ISFS once health insurance in purchased to confirm. Failure or delay in purchasing health insurance will result in immigration termination.

Responsibilities of J-1 Exchange Visitors 4. Apply for an Extension Prior to the DS-2019 Expiration Extension must be requested by sponsoring department Additional fee is required Be aware of maximum program length depending on Exchange Visitor category Be aware of your Program End Date on your DS-2019. This is the Exchange Visitor’s responsibility to be aware of when the program is ending.

Responsibilities of J-1 Exchange Visitors 5. Receive Transfer Authorization Prior to Leaving OSU May be eligible to transfer to another U.S. university Transfer processed by OSU sponsoring department, new program sponsor, and ISFS Contact ISFS 6 weeks prior to transfer If an Exchange Visitor is not able to accomplish research objectives at OSU, they can transfer to a different SEVP approved program. Our office would need to work closely with the international office at the new university for a successful transfer. Need to know at least 6 weeks in advance.

Responsibilities of J-1 Exchange Visitors 6. Obtain Travel Signature Prior to Traveling Outside the U.S. Travel requires: Valid Passport Valid U.S. Visa Valid DS-2019 with TRAVEL SIGNATURE (valid 1 year) Visa to country to visit unless waived Remember: you may not leave your J-2 dependents in the US for a period longer than 30 days or they will be out of status. All scholar’s DS-2019’s have been signed for travel during check-in. It is valid for one year. Since visa regulations can change, please check the embassy website of the country you plan to visit and of the U.S. for returning. If your visa has expired and you do not plan to travel outside of the U.S., you do not need to renew the visa. Please be aware that if you travel outside of the United States during your current exchange visitor program and after your J-1 visa has expired, you must apply for a new J-1 visa in your home country in order to re-enter the United States to continue your program.

Responsibilities of J-1 Exchange Visitors 7. Depart the U.S. within the 30 Day Grace Period following Program End Date You can stay in the U.S. up to 30 days after the Program End Date on your DS-2019 or you complete your program (whichever is sooner) You may NOT Work, research, or be paid during the grace period You may Use this time for travel within the U.S. Staying beyond the 30 day grace period may create problems with immigration or applying for a visa in the future.

Responsibilities of J-1 Exchange Visitors 8. Report Departure to ISFS Send an email to the International Scholar Advisor about your planned departure Fill out the Departure Form ISFS updates your record with SEVIS and OSU We will close your file at OSU and with the government. No need to meet ISFS office again at the time of departure.

Future Plan: Responsibilities of J-1 Exchange Visitors 9. Bars to Further Program Participation 24 Month Bar: J-1 Research Scholars and Professors cannot use the same J-1 category for 24 months after end of current program 12 Month Bar: Other J exchange visitors in the U.S. for more than 6 months must wait 12 months to use the Research Scholar or Professor category A Research Scholar or Professor cannot return in the same Exchange Visitor category (RS/P) for 24 months after the program end date. You may be able to return as a Short Term Scholar for a maximum of 6 months or as a tourist.

Bars to Further J-1 Program Participation (cont.) Student Interns Only one internship allowed per degree level Undergraduate degree Masters degree Doctorate degree

Future Plan: Responsibilities of J-1 Exchange Visitors 10. Two Year Home Residency Requirement 212(e) You must return to your home country and be PHYSICALLY PRESENT for a total of 2 years before you are eligible to obtain a work visa (H-1B or L-1) or Permanent Residency (K visa) You may return to the US on other visa types (e.g. tourist, student, exchange visitor) Your J-2 dependents are also subject to this requirement Check if you are subject to this requirement by requesting an Advisory Opinion Note: This is different than 24 month bar. 24 month bar affects participation in future J-1 exchange program, while the 212(e) affects your intentions to permanently stay in the US. You will not be eligible for permanent employment or permanent residency until you complete the two year requirement or receive a waiver. If you apply for a waiver you will not be eligible for extensions on your J-1 program and other benifits.

Acknowledgement Please read and sign your name on the form acknowledging you understand your responsibilities as a J-1 Exchange Visitor at Oregon State University

Employment Authorization A J-1 holder is only allowed to perform the activity listed on his/her Form DS-2019 and as stated in the regulations for that category of exchange. Only authorized employment is allowed Prior approval is required Unauthorized employment constitutes as failing to maintain Exchange Visitor status Be especially aware of if your employment is authorized by checking with BOTH the ISFS office and your department. Professors and research scholars may be able to participate in occasional lectures and short-term consultations w/ prior approval (22CFR§62.20(g)).

Social Security Number (SSN) Social Security Number is only issued with an offer of employment No employment = SSN not required SSN required for tax purposes only Submit application in person to local Social Security Office in Albany, Oregon (16km) with: Employment offer letter from employer Passport with J-1 visa I-94 Arrival/Departure form Original DS-2019 One additional piece of identification

J-2 Visa for Dependents Dependent = Spouses and Children (unmarried children under the age of 21) Dependents may study or work Employment Authorization Document required Status is dependent upon the status of the principle J-1 holder Allowed to remain in the United States as long as the principle J-1 Visa holder has valid J-1 status May not be left in the U.S. for a period longer than 30 days without the principle J-1

The ISFS Office Offers orientation, resources and information on website for Exchange Visitors Advises on visa and immigration questions and consults on employment options Helps you explore options after program completion Programming, events, and activities Highlights exchange visitor experiences *Meetings are by appointment only please*

Questions and Answers Contact ISFS We hope you have an enjoyable and successful experience at Oregon State University! Contact ISFS International Scholar & Faculty Services International Programs, Oregon State University University Plaza – Suite 190 1600 SW Western Blvd Corvallis, OR 97333 1-541-737-3006 IP.Reception@oregonstate.edu

Resources ISFS Website: http://oregonstate.edu/international/atosu/scholars U.S. Department of State: http://j1visa.state.gov/participants/ Travel.State.Gov: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1267.html SEVIS: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/